Particles having a plurality of optical structures

ABSTRACT

An article has optical structures disposed on a base material element. The optical structures include lenticular lens structures and discrete coloring elements having distinct color regions. The lenticular lens structure has several lens layers. The lenticular lens structure may have any of a variety of cross-sectional shapes. The article has a different appearance when an observer views the article at various angles. The appearance may differ in terms of coloring scheme.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/431,358, filed Feb. 13, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/154,533, filed May 13, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.9,575,229, issued Feb. 21, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/219,430, filed Mar. 19, 2014, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,348,069, issued May 24, 2016, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear andapparel, and in particular to articles of footwear and apparel capableof changing their appearance.

Articles, including articles of footwear and articles of clothing orapparel may include design elements or other kinds of structures thatare intended to create a desired optical effect. The desired opticaleffects can include specific coloring, images and/or designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the figures and detailed description. It is intended thatall such additional systems, methods, features and advantages beincluded within this description be within the scope of the embodimentsand be protected by the following claims.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwearhaving several optical structures;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an optical structure;

FIG. 3 is the embodiment of the optical structure shown in FIG. 2, withlens layers connected together to form lenticular lens structure, andlenticular lens structure is disposed over a discrete coloring element;

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a base material element having severaloptical structures;

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a base material element having columns androws of optical structures;

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a base material element having opticalstructures, wherein the optical structures are not in distinct columnsand/or rows;

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an observer viewing an optical structure fromseveral distinct viewpoints, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are isometric views of an article of footwear shown atdifferent viewing angles, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are isometric views of an embodiment of a printingapparatus used to print a discrete coloring element and lens layers oflenticular lens structure onto a base material element;

FIG. 14 is an embodiment of radiation source curing a discrete coloringelement at a given radiation intensity;

FIG. 15 illustrates a print head printing a first lens layer onto adiscrete coloring element, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an embodiment of radiation source curing a first lens layer;

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a print head printing second lenslayer onto second lens layer;

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of radiation source curing a second lens layer;

FIG. 19 is an embodiment of a print head printing multiple lens layers;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an optical structurehaving gone through a full printing and curing process;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are isometric views of an article of footwear shown atdifferent viewing angles, with FIG. 22 having an appearance of indiciaon article of footwear;

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of several articles of apparel, eachhaving a plurality of optical structures;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a non-circular embodiment of an opticalstructure, where the optical structure is a rectangular prism;

FIG. 25 is a plan cross-sectional view of the optical structure shown inFIG. 24, taken along line 25-25;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a non-circular embodiment of an opticalstructure, where the optical structure is a trapezoidal prism;

FIG. 27 is a plan cross-sectional view of the optical structure shown inFIG. 26, taken along line 27-27;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a non-circular embodiment of an opticalstructure, where the optical structure has a Y-shape;

FIG. 29 is a plan cross-sectional view of the optical structure shown inFIG. 28, taken along line 29-29;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a non-circular embodiment of an opticalstructure, where the optical structure has a crescent moon shape;

FIG. 31 is a plan cross-sectional view of the optical structure shown inFIG. 30, taken along line 31-31;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality ofnon-circular optical structures, where each optical structure has adiamond-shape;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the textile and twooptical structures shown in FIG. 32, taken along line 33-33;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of another portion of the textile andtwo optical structures shown in FIG. 32, taken along line 34-34;

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of an optical structure shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality ofnon-circular optical structures, where each optical structure has aarcuate shape;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the textile and twooptical structures shown in FIG. 36, taken along line 37-37;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the textile and twooptical structures shown in FIG. 36, taken along line 38-38;

FIG. 39 is an exploded view of an optical structure shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality ofnon-circular optical structures, where each optical structure has alinear shape, where part of the linear shape is straight and part of thelinear shape is wavy;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the textile and threeoptical structures of FIG. 40 taken along line 41-41;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of another portion of the textile anone optical structure of FIG. 40, taken along line 42-42;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a textile with anon-circular optical structure, where the non-circular optical structurehas a corrugated topography;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the textile andoptical structure shown in FIG. 43, taken along line 44-44;

FIG. 45 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality ofnon-circular optical structures, where each optical structure has asemi-ellipsoid shape;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the textile and fouroptical structures of FIG. 45, taken along line 46-46;

FIG. 47 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality ofnon-circular optical structures, where each optical structure has atriangular pyramid shape;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the textile and twooptical structures of FIG. 47, taken along line 48-48;

FIG. 49 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality ofnon-circular optical structures, where each optical structure has anon-circular dome shape;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the textile and twooptical structures of FIG. 49, taken along line 50-50;

FIG. 51 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality oflinear optical structures, where each optical structure includes a bend;

FIG. 52 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality ofoptical structures, where each optical structure is a wavy line; and

FIG. 53 is a plan view of an embodiment of a textile with a plurality ofsemi-ellipsoid optical structures of different sizes, where theplurality of optical structures are positioned on the textile in apattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an article offootwear 100, or simply article, having several optical structures 200on the article of footwear 100. Although the embodiments throughout thisdetailed description depict articles configured as athletic articles offootwear, in other embodiments the articles may be configured as variousother kinds of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots,soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-trainingshoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as otherkinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments, articles may beconfigured as various kinds of non-sports related footwear, including,but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high heeled footwear, loafers aswell as any other kinds of footwear.

Articles are generally made to fit various sizes of feet. In theembodiments shown, the various articles are configured with the samefootwear size. In different embodiments, the articles could beconfigured with any footwear sizes, including any conventional sizes forfootwear known in the art. In some embodiments, an article of footwearmay be designed to fit the feet of a child. In other embodiments, anarticle of footwear may be designed to fit the feet of an adult. Still,in other embodiments, an article of footwear may be designed to fit thefeet of a man or a woman.

In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may include upper 102 andsole system 110. Generally, upper 102 may be any type of upper. Inparticular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. Forexample, in embodiments where article 100 is a basketball shoe, upper102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support onan ankle. In embodiments where article 100 is a running shoe, upper 102could be a low top upper. In some embodiments, upper 102 could furtherinclude provisions for fastening article 100 to a foot, such as a hookand look system (Velcro, for example) and may include still otherprovisions found in footwear uppers. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,a lacing system 103 is used for fastening article 100.

Sole system 110 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the foot andthe ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, solesystem 110 may include different components. For example, sole system110 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases,one or more of these components may be optional.

Sole system 110 may provide one or more functions for article 100. Forexample, in some embodiments, sole system 110 may be configured toprovide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction,sole system 110 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressedbetween the foot and the ground during walking, running or otherambulatory activities. The configuration of sole system 110 may varysignificantly in different embodiments to include a variety ofconventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, theconfiguration of sole system 110 can be selected according to one ormore types of ground surfaces on which sole system 110 may be used.Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: naturalturf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 1, for purposes of reference, upper 102 may be dividedinto forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14.Forefoot portion 10 may be generally associated with the toes and jointsconnecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot portion 12 may begenerally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, heel portion 14may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including thecalcaneus bone. In addition, upper 102 may include lateral side 16 andmedial side 18. In particular, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may beopposing sides of article 100. Furthermore, both lateral side 16 andmedial side 18 may extend through forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion12 and heel portion 14. It will be understood that forefoot portion 10,midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14 are only intended for purposes ofdescription and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of upper102. Likewise, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 (not shown) areintended to represent generally two sides of upper 102, rather thanprecisely demarcating upper 102 into two halves. As shown in FIG. 1,article of footwear is intended to be used with a left foot; however, itshould be understood that the following description may equally apply toa mirror image of article of footwear that is intended for use with aright foot (not shown).

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employedthroughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustratedembodiments. The term “lateral” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims refers to a direction extending along awidth of a component. For example, the lateral direction of upper 102may extend between medial side 18 and lateral side 16 of upper 102.

The term “multi-layered lens structure” is used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims to refer to any structure comprised of twoor more lenses. The lenses of a multi-layered lens structure may belayered or stacked. Furthermore, the term “lenticular lens structure” isused throughout the detailed description and in the claims to describe amulti-layered lens structure that is designed so that when viewed fromdifferent angles, different regions beneath the lenticular lensstructure are magnified differently. For example in FIG. 3, a lenticularlens structure 220 is shown as comprising five distinct lenses, or lenslayers.

In addition, the phrase “discrete coloring element” as used throughoutthis detailed description and in the claims refers to a two-dimensionalor three-dimensional image having at least one color. In someembodiments, the discrete coloring element may be comprised of one ormore colors including, but not limited to: red, green, purple, brown,black, blue, yellow, white, or a combination of thereof. Also, thephrase “optical structure” as used throughout this detailed descriptionand in the claims refers to any multi-layered lens structure, forexample a lenticular lens structure, in combination with a discretecoloring element, both of which will be described in further detailbelow. Specifically, in an optical structure, a discrete coloringelement is partially or fully covered by a multi-layered lens structure,such as a lenticular lens.

As shown in FIG. 1, article 100 may be configured with a plurality ofoptical structures 200, which may be arranged on an exterior of upper102. For purposes of illustration, a small region 20 of upper 102 isshown in an enlarged view within FIG. 1 so that several individualoptical structures from the plurality of optical structures 200 may beclearly seen.

In some embodiments, plurality of optical structures 200 may be disposedon a majority, or even a substantial entirety, of the exterior surfaceof upper 102. In other embodiments, optical structures 200 may only bedisposed on forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12, heel portion 14, aswell as on lateral side 16, and/or medial side 18. Moreover, otherembodiments may include optical structures 200 disposed in anycombination of these portions and/or sides of article 100.

In different embodiments, the arrangement of optical structures,including both pattern and density, could vary. In some embodiments,such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, plurality of opticalstructures 200 may be arranged such that optical structures 200 arespread approximately evenly over most portions of upper 102. In otherwords, in an exemplary embodiment, the density of optical structuresover upper 102 may remain approximately constant. However, the spacingand density of optical structures could vary in other embodiments toachieve desired visual effects. For example, in another embodiment,plurality of optical structures 200 could be configured into variouskinds of patterns such as stripes, checkered patterns or otherarrangements in which some regions of the pattern are associated with ahigher density of optical structures. In still another embodiment, thedensity of optical structures could vary in a continuous and/orirregular manner over some portions of upper 102.

For purposes of illustration, the figures in this disclosure may showvarious regions of articles (such as an article of apparel or an articleof footwear 100) with different shading. These differences in shadingare intended to indicate differences in color and/or appearance of theregions. For example, one region of an article may have a darker shading(or denser stippling), than another region or regions to indicate adifference in color between the regions. Moreover, the color and/orappearance of articles may appear to change when an observer sees thearticles from different viewing angles. Accordingly, the figures in thisdisclosure may show a change in shading in regions to reflect a changein color and/or appearance of the article when an observer views thearticle at different angles. This will be explained in further detailbelow.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an isometric view an embodiment of an opticalstructure 207, which may be representative of plurality of opticalstructures 200. Optical structure 207 may be further comprised of amulti-layered lens structure. Specifically, optical structure 207 may befurther comprised of a lenticular lens structure 220, as well asdiscrete coloring element 210. For purposes of illustration, lenticularlens structure 220 and discrete coloring element 210 are shownschematically, and therefore it should be understood that variousdimensions of one or more components may not be drawn to scale. Thus,for example, the relative thicknesses of the lower most lens layer 221of lenticular lens structure 220 and discrete coloring element 210 maydiffer substantially from the depicted embodiment.

Lenticular lens structure 220 may comprise any number of lenses. In theexemplary embodiments in FIGS. 2 and 3, lenticular lens structure 220 iscomprised of five lenses (also referred to here as lens layers): a firstlens layer 221, a second lens layer 224, a third lens layer 226, afourth lens layer 228, and a fifth lens layer 230. However, it should beunderstood that lenticular lens structure 220 may include more than fivelenses in other embodiments. In still other embodiments, lenticular lensstructure 220 may include less than five lenses.

In different embodiments, lenticular lens structure 220 may configuredas a variety of three-dimensional shapes, such as a parallelogram(having several rectangular surface areas), a cube (having severalsquare surfaces), a semi-cylindrical shape, a semi-spherical shape, or asemi-ellipsoid shape. Accordingly, first lens layer 221, second lenslayer 224, third lens layer 226, fourth lens layer 228, and fifth lenslayer 230 are designed to achieve the desired shape for lenticular lensstructure 220.

Referring to FIG. 2, first lens layer 221, second lens layer 224, thirdlens layer 226, and fourth lens layer 228 each have a top portion andbottom portion. For example, first lens layer 221 has first top portion222 and first bottom portion 273. In some embodiments, any lens layermay include a top portion with a diameter and surface area substantiallyidentical to bottom portion. In other embodiments, the dimensions of thetop portion and the bottom portion could differ. In FIGS. 2 and 3, firsttop portion 222 has a diameter and surface smaller than the diameter offirst bottom portion 273. Second lens layer 224 has second top portion225 and second bottom portion 276, with second top portion 225 having asmaller diameter and surface area than second bottom portion 276.Similarly, third lens layer 226 has a third top portion 227 and thirdbottom portion 278, and fourth lens layer 228 has fourth top portion 229and fourth bottom portion 280. Third top portion 227 has a smallerdiameter and surface area than third bottom portion 278, and fourth topportion 229 has a smaller diameter and surface area than fourth bottomportion 280.

Generally, the shape and/or size of the upper most lens layer of alenticular lens structure may vary according to the overall lenticularlens structure. In FIGS. 2 and 3, fifth lens layer 230, having fifthbottom portion 282, is convex in order to achieve an overall dome likeshape of lenticular lens structure 220.

In some embodiments, successive lens layers of lenticular lens structuremay be similar or larger, in terms of volume, diameter, and/or surfacearea. The phrase “successive lens layers” as used throughout thisdetailed description and in the claims refers to lens layers of alenticular lens structure, beginning in order from the first lens layer(that is, the bottom most layer in contact with discrete coloringelement) to the uppermost lens layer. In the embodiment in FIGS. 2 and3, lenticular lens structure 220 has successively smaller lens layers.In other words, second bottom portion 276 and second top portion 225 aresmaller in both diameter and surface area than first bottom portion 273and first top portion 222, respectively; third bottom portion 278 andthird top portion 227 are smaller in both diameter and surface area thansecond bottom portion 276 and second top portion 225, respectively; and,fourth bottom portion 280 and fourth top portion 229 are smaller in bothdiameter and surface area than third bottom portion 278 and third topportion 227, respectively.

In some embodiments, the dimensions of each lens layer can be selectedso that portions of adjacent lens layers that are in contact with oneanother have similar dimensions. For example, first top portion 222 offirst lens layer 221 may have a substantially similar diameter and/orsurface area as second bottom portion 276 of second lens layer 224;second top portion 225 of second lens layer 224 may have a substantiallysimilar diameter and/or surface area as third bottom portion 278 ofthird lens layer 226; third top portion 227 of third lens layer 226 mayhave a substantially similar diameter and/or surface area as fourthbottom portion 280 of fourth lens layer 228; and fourth top portion 229of fourth lens layer 228 may have a substantially similar diameterand/or surface area as fifth bottom portion 282 of fifth lens layer 230.

The thickness of lens layers of the lenticular lens structure 220 mayvary in order to achieve desired optical effects. In the exemplaryembodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3, each lens layer may have a thicknessapproximately in the range between 0.001 mm and 5 mm. The thickness ofeach layer may be selected according to factors including desiredoptical effects (such as desired index of refraction), as well asmanufacturing considerations (such as the type of material used to printor otherwise create each lens layer).

In some embodiments, one or more lenses may be partially or fullycolored or tinted. However, in an exemplary embodiment each lens layerof lenticular lens structure 220 may be transparent or translucent sothat discrete coloring element 210 may be observed through each lenslayer of lenticular lens structure 220.

Discrete coloring element 210 may vary in shape, size and color. In theexemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shape of discrete coloringelement 210 is a circular (round) dot. However, in other embodiments,the shape of discrete coloring element 210 includes, but is not limitedto, a square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, or any enclosed shapehaving more than five sides. In still other embodiments, discretecoloring element 210 could have any regular or irregular shape.

In different embodiments, the thickness of discrete coloring element 210may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of discretecoloring element 210 may vary approximately in the range between 0.001mm and 5 mm. The thickness of discrete coloring element 210 may beselected according to various factors including the type of materialused to print or otherwise create discrete coloring element 210, as wellas possibly other factors.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the diameter of discrete coloringelement 210 may vary. In some embodiments, the diameter could varybetween 0.001 mm and 5 mm. In still other embodiments, the diametercould be greater than 5 mm. The diameter of discrete coloring element210 could be selected according to various factors, including theprinting technology used in cases where discrete coloring element 210 isprinted, as well as desired design or pattern effects (e.g., desiringlarger or smaller dots in the resultant design). Moreover, it should beunderstood that in embodiments where discrete coloring element 210 maynot be round, the dimensions (such as length and width) could also varyin any manner.

In at least some embodiments, the diameter of discrete coloring element210 may be selected according to the diameter of the nearest lens oflenticular lens structure 210, or vice versa. In the exemplaryembodiment, first lens layer 221 is the lens layer nearest in proximityto discrete coloring element 210. Further, first bottom portion 273 offirst lens layer 221 is generally the bottom portion nearest inproximity to discrete coloring element 210. In some embodiments, thediameter of discrete coloring element 210 is larger than diameter offirst bottom portion 273. In other embodiments, the diameter of discretecoloring element 210 is smaller than the diameter of first bottomportion 273. In the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, thediameter of discrete coloring element 210 and first bottom portion 273are approximately identical. This configuration provides a distinctoptical effect whereby the colors of discrete coloring element 210 aremagnified in different amounts according to the viewing angle of theobserver.

FIGS. 3 and 4 clearly illustrate how all portions of discrete coloringelement 210 may be completely covered by first lens layer 221 oflenticular lens structure 220. Specifically, no portion of discretecoloring element 210 is disposed radially further from a central axis550 of optical structure 220 than outer periphery 235 of first lenslayer 221. For purposes of clarity, “outer periphery” as used throughoutthis detailed description and in the claims refers to the outermostperimeter of a bottom most lens layer that contacts a base materialelement. In other embodiments, at least some portions of discretecoloring element 210 could extend outside outer periphery 235 oflenticular lens structure 220 such that some portions of discretecoloring element 210 would not be covered by lenticular lens structure220. Still, in other embodiments, all portions of discrete coloringelements 210 could lie well within outer periphery 235 of lenticularlens structure. In other words, the diameter of discrete coloringelement 210 could be substantially less than the diameter of bottomportion 273 of first lens layer 221.

Optical structures 200 may vary in several ways in order to achievedesired optical effects. For example, discrete coloring element 210could vary in diameter, thickness, and/or geometry in order to produce,for example, differences in color and/or appearance of discrete coloringelement when observed through a lenticular lens structure. Additionally,any lens layer (or layers) of lenticular lens structure 220 could varyin diameter, thickness, and/or geometry in order to produce, forexample, differences in color and/or appearance of a discrete coloringelement when observed through lenticular lens structure.

Discrete coloring elements 210 may be divided into several regions. InFIGS. 2 and 3, discrete coloring element 210 is a circular dot dividedinto four regions. More specifically, discrete coloring element 210 isdivided into four quadrants: first quadrant 211, second quadrant 212,third quadrant 213, and fourth quadrant 214. In the exemplaryembodiment, first quadrant 211, second quadrant 212, third quadrant 213,and fourth quadrant 214 are substantially identical in surface area.However, in other embodiments, regions (including quadrants) may not besubstantially identical.

In some embodiments, one or more quadrants of discrete coloring element210 may be colored. The colors of discrete coloring element 210 may beof any combination. In some embodiments, the color may be the same foreach region. In FIGS. 2 and 3, each quadrant is associated with adifferent color from the remaining quadrants.

Although the exemplary embodiment depicts a discrete coloring element210 comprised of four regions of different colors, in other embodimentsa discrete coloring element 210 could be comprised of any other numberof regions. For example, in another embodiment, a discrete coloringelement 210 could comprise just two regions of different colors. Instill other embodiments, discrete coloring element 210 could comprisethree, four, five or more than five distinct regions of differentcolors.

Referring to FIG. 2, discrete coloring element 210 has a top surface 215displaying first quadrant 211, second quadrant 212, third quadrant 213,and fourth quadrant 214. Over top surface 215 of discrete coloringelement 210 are the layers of lenticular lens structure 220. First lenslayer 221 has a bottom surface (not shown) which contacts top surface ofdiscrete coloring element. Second lens layer 224 has a bottom surface(not shown) which contacts top surface 222 of first lens layer 221.Remaining successive lens layers are stacked in a similar manner, thatis, similar to first lens layer 221 and second lens layer 224, as shownin FIGS. 2 and 3. For lenticular lens structures having more than fivelens layers, the stacking process is also similar. Generally, lenticularlens structure 220 is centered vertically over the center of discretecoloring element 210. In other embodiments, lenticular lens 220 may beoffset from discrete coloring element 210.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, optical structure 207 is placed on a basematerial element 500. Base material element 500 may be part of upper102, or may be part of another article of apparel (discussed later).Base material element 500 could be made of, for example, fabric, cotton,wool, rubber, leather, synthetic materials, or a combination thereof.Base material element 500 could also be made from knitted or wovenmaterial. Multiple optical structures 200 may be placed on base materialelement 500, as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of optical structures 200 spaced apartfrom one another. In some embodiments, adjacent or neighboring opticalstructures may overlap each other, in which case there is no spacingbetween adjacent optical structures. In other embodiments, adjacentoptical structures may contact each other only at their respective outerperipheries. In FIG. 4, first outer periphery 235 of first opticalstructure 201 is spaced apart from second outer periphery 236 of secondoptical structure 202 (adjacent to first optical structure 201) at firstdistance 300. Further, second outer periphery 236 of second opticalstructure 202 is spaced apart from third outer periphery 237 of thirdoptical structure 203 (adjacent to second optical structure 202) atsecond distance 301. In exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4, first distance300 is approximately equal to second distance 301. In other embodiments,adjacent optical structures may not be evenly spaced apart. In otherwords, the first distance may not be equal to the second distance. Instill other embodiments, adjacent optical structures may beapproximately evenly spaced apart in some regions of base materialelement 500 and not evenly spaced apart in another region or regions.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic top down view of a section of basematerial element 500, including a plurality of optical structures 200.In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, plurality of optical structures200 may be arranged into columns and rows. In this exemplaryconfiguration, first optical structure 204 is separated by a spacing 302from a second optical structure 205. Here, first optical structure 204and second optical structure 205 are seen to belong to different rows.Additionally, first optical structure 204 is seen to be separated from athird optical structure 206 by a spacing 303. Here, third opticalstructure 206 is seen to belong to an adjacent column to first opticalstructure 204. In some embodiments, spacing 302 may be substantiallyequal to spacing 303. In other embodiments, spacing 302 may not besubstantially equal spacing 303. In still other embodiments, spacing 302may be substantially equal to spacing 303 in some regions on basematerial element 500, and spacing 302 may not be substantially equalspacing 303 in another region or region of base material element 500.Thus, it is clear from FIGS. 4 and 5 that each optical structure may begenerally spaced apart from all adjacent optical structures.

In an alternative configuration, shown in FIG. 6, base material element500 includes a plurality of optical structures 400. In contrast to theconfiguration shown in FIG. 5, optical structures 400 may not bearranged in a regular pattern. In such a configuration, each opticalstructure may still be spaced apart from any neighboring or adjacentoptical structures. For example, a first optical structure 401 may bespaced apart from a second optical structure 402 by a spacing 304. Firstoptical structure 401 may also be spaced apart from a third opticalstructure 403 by a spacing 305. First optical structure 401 may also bespaced apart from a fourth optical structure 404 by a spacing 306. Whilesecond optical structure 402, third optical structure 403, and fourthoptical structure 404 may be considered adjacent to first opticalstructure 401, spacing 304, spacing 305, and spacing 306 may not besubstantially equal. In other words, the plurality of optical structures400 may not have consistent spacing between neighboring or adjacentoptical structures.

The spacing of optical structures on the surface of an article asdescribed and shown in the embodiments provides a unique visual effectwhereby the appearance of each discrete coloring element is modified bya corresponding lenticular lens structure. In other words, each discretecoloring element, separated from its neighbors, is in one-to-onecorrespondence with an associated lenticular lens structure. This may beseen to be in contrast from some alternative lenticular designs, whereinmultiple lenticular lenses are laid down over a single coloring elementor other image. Thus, the exemplary configuration shown in the figuresmay provide for increased versatility in the patterns and/or designsthat may be achieved along the surface of an article, since eachdiscrete coloring element can be modified uniquely by a correspondinglenticular lens structure.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an observer 700 viewing the optical structure 207at different viewing angles. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 7-9,discrete coloring element 210 has four quadrants. First quadrant 211 ispurple (Pu), second quadrant 212 is blue (Bl), third quadrant 213 isyellow (Y), and fourth quadrant 214 is red (R). In an exemplaryembodiment, first quadrant 211, second quadrant 212, third quadrant 213,and fourth quadrant 214 may generally have the same surface area.Accordingly, the colors displaced on the quadrants are generally visiblein similar proportions when the lenticular lens structure 220 is notpresent. However, with lenticular lens structure 220 placed overdiscrete coloring element 210, the appearance of discrete coloringelement 210 may change when observer views discrete coloring element 210through the lenticular lens structure 220 at various angles. Forexample, red may appear more visible than purple when viewing theoptical structure 207 from an angle. In another example, blue and purplemay appear more visible than red and yellow when viewing opticalstructure 207 from another angle.

Referring to FIG. 7, observer 700 viewing optical structure from a firstviewing angle 601 sees primarily the colors red and purple from discretecoloring element 210. When observer views optical structure 207 from asecond viewing angle 602, all four colors from discrete coloring element210 are seen generally in similar proportions. When observer viewsoptical structure 207 from a third viewing angle 603, the colors yellowand blue from discrete coloring element 210 are primarily seen.

FIG. 8 is the embodiment of optical structure in FIG. 8, with opticalstructure 207 rotated radially about the z-axis. Now, observer 700viewing optical structure 207 from first viewing angle 601 seesprimarily the color purple from discrete coloring element 210. Whenobserver 700 views optical structure 207 from a second viewing angle602, all four colors from discrete coloring element 210 are seengenerally in similar proportions. When observer 700 views opticalstructure 207 from third viewing angle 603, the color yellow fromdiscrete coloring element 210 is primarily seen.

FIG. 9 is the embodiment of the optical structure 207 in FIG. 8, withoptical structure 207 further rotated by about the z-axis. Now, observer700 viewing optical structure 207 from first viewing angle 601 seesprimarily the colors blue and purple from discrete coloring element 210.When observer 700 views optical structure 207 from a second viewingangle 602, all four colors from discrete coloring element 210 are seengenerally in similar proportions. When observer 700 viewing opticalstructure 207 from third viewing angle 603, the colors yellow and redfrom discrete coloring element 210 are primarily seen.

It will be understood that FIGS. 7-9 are only intended for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to demarcate precise color schemesviewed at precise viewing angles. Observer 700 could view one of manycolor combinations when optical structure 207 is rotated about thez-axis and/or when observer 700 views the optical structure 207 atdifferent viewing angles. Similarly, several color combinations inseveral other proportions not shown could also be viewed depending onthe rotation of optical structure 207 about the z-axis and/or theviewing angle of the observer 700.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an embodiment of an article of footwear 100shown at two different viewpoints. Article of footwear 100 includes aplurality of optical structures 200 on forefoot 10, midfoot 12, and heelportion 14 of upper 102. Optical structures 200 on upper 102 may be, forexample, an embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Article 100 may appear to changewhen article is viewed at different viewpoints. For example in FIG. 10,when article 100 is arranged for viewing with forefoot 10 in theforeground, upper 102 has a first appearance 801. In FIG. 11, whenarticle 100 is rotated such that heel portion 14 is in the foreground,upper 102 has a second appearance 802 different from the firstappearance 801.

It will be understood that article 100 could have several differentappearances from several different viewpoints. For example, upper 102viewed from a particular viewpoint may appear to be completely red. Fromanother viewpoint, upper 102 may appear to be any combination of, forexample, red, yellow, blue, and/or purple. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11article of footwear is intended to be used with a left foot; however, itshould be understood that the following description may equally apply toa mirror image of article of footwear 100 that is intended for use witha right foot (not shown).

FIGS. 12-18 illustrate an exemplary process of disposing opticalstructures 200 on a base material element 500 in order to form anarticle (e.g. an article of footwear 100 or an article of apparel, shownlater) with optical structures 200 on an exterior surface. Printingapparatus 900, shown in FIG. 12, is capable of printing discretecoloring elements 210 onto base material element 500 as well as printingsuccessive lens layers of the lenticular lens structure 220. Printingapparatus 900 has a cable (not shown) connected to a power source (notshown) in order to provide power to printing apparatus 900. It will beunderstood that “printing successive lens layers” is intended todescribe the printing apparatus 900 printing a successive lens layerover the prior lens layer.

The embodiments described throughout this detailed description have afirst lens layer 221 with bottom surface having a diameter and/orsurface area substantially identical to that of top surface 215 ofdiscrete coloring element 210. Alternatively, in some other embodiments,first lens layer 221 has a bottom surface having diameter and surfacearea greater than that of top surface 215 of discrete coloring element210, in which case printing apparatus 900 prints first lens layer 221onto both discrete coloring element 210 and base material element 500.In still other embodiments, first lens layer 221 has a bottom surfacehaving a diameter and surface area less than that of top surface 215 ofdiscrete coloring element 210, in which case printing apparatus 900prints first lens layer 221 onto only discrete coloring element 210.

In different embodiments, various printing techniques could be used toapply a coloring layer and/or lens layers to base material element 500.These printing techniques can include, but are not limited to:toner-based printing, liquid inkjet printing, solid ink printing,dye-sublimation printing, inkless printing (including thermal printingand UV printing), MEMS jet printing technologies as well as any othermethods of printing. In some cases, printing apparatus 510 may make useof a combination of two or more different printing techniques. The typeof printing technique used may vary according to factors including, butnot limited to: material of the target article, size and/or geometry ofthe target article, desired properties of the printed image (such asdurability, color, ink density, etc.) as well as printing speed,printing costs and maintenance requirements.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, base material element 500 may be fedthrough printing apparatus 900. FIG. 13 illustrates print head 910 ofprinting apparatus 900 dispersing ink toner 950 to form a plurality ofdiscrete coloring elements 970, also referred to simply as discretecoloring elements 970, onto base material element 500. As shown in FIG.13, a cable 920 feeds ink toner 950 from printing apparatus 900 to printhead 910. Print head 910 is connected to a rod element 930 capable ofmoving print head 910.

In FIG. 13, discrete coloring elements 970 are spaced evenly apart fromeach other throughout base material element 500 to form several rows andcolumns of discrete coloring elements 970. In other embodiments, printhead 910 may print discrete coloring elements 970 that are not evenlyspaced apart. FIG. 13 shows discrete coloring element 210 having fourregions, or quadrants, with first quadrant 211 being purple (Pu), secondquadrant 212 being blue (Bl), third quadrant 213 being yellow (Y), andfourth quadrant 214 being red (R). It will be understood that discretecoloring element 210 may have at least one of several colors, and thecolors may be printed in various proportions. For example, in someembodiments, one half of discrete coloring element 210 may be colored inpurple, one quarter of discrete coloring element 210 may be colored inred, and remaining quarter of discrete coloring element 210 may becolored in yellow. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the remainingdiscrete coloring elements 970 may have a similar coloring configurationto discrete coloring element 210.

For purposes of illustration, discrete coloring elements 970 are shownschematically, and in particular are substantially larger and furtherspaced apart than they may be in some embodiments. In other words,discrete coloring elements 970 shown in FIG. 13 are not necessarilyshown to scale in terms of size/diameter of discrete coloring elements970 and spacing between adjacent of discrete coloring elements 970.

FIG. 14 illustrates a radiation source 1000 capable of emittingradiation 1010 to discrete coloring elements 970. Radiation source 1000has a cable 1020 connected to a power source (not shown) in order toprovide power to radiation source 1000. Radiation source 1000 could be alight (for example, from a light bulb) or a heat lamp. Radiation source1000 may provide any kind of electromagnetic radiation, includingultraviolet (UV) radiation. Radiation source 1000 is also capable ofemitting radiation 1010 to each lens layer of a lenticular lensstructure (shown later).

After print head 910 prints discrete coloring elements 970, radiation1010 from radiation source 1000 is used to cure discrete coloringelements 970. The term “cure” or “curing” as used throughout thisdetailed description and in the claims refers to a process of treatingand/or drying. Curing the discrete coloring elements 970 and/or the lenslayers of the optical structures 200 may contribute to shaping opticalstructures 200 to achieve a desired shape. Both discrete coloringelements 970 and all lens layers of optical structures 200 may be curedby radiation 1010 from radiation source 1000. Curing time for discretecoloring element 970 and the corresponding lens layers may vary, butgenerally lasts approximately in the range between 0.1 seconds and 1minute, in order to achieve desired visual effects.

Radiation source 1000 is capable of emitting radiation 1010 at variousintensities. For purposes of characterizing a range of possibleradiation intensities for radiation source 1000, reference is made tointensities as a percentage of a maximum radiation intensity that can beemitted by radiation source 1000. Thus, the possible intensities aredescribed as ranging from 0% intensity (no radiation) to 100% intensity(maximum intensity). Here, the term maximum intensity may refer toeither the maximum intensity achievable by the selected radiationsource, or to a maximum desired intensity to achieve a particular curingeffect. Thus, in some cases, the maximum intensity may not be thehighest radiation setting of the selected radiation source. Accordingly,curing of discrete coloring elements 970 and the corresponding lenslayers of optical structures 200 may be cured from radiation rangingfrom 0% intensity to 100% intensity.

Curing individual lens layers of each lenticular lens structure at adifferent intensity (relative to other lens layers) may causedifferences in the resulting index of refraction of each layer. Forexample, optical structure 207 having first lens layer 221 cured at 5%intensity may have an index of refraction different from third lenslayer 226 cured at 100% intensity. This curing technique may contributeto light rays propagating through first lens layer 221 in a differentmanner (such as a different angle) than through third lens layer 226.Further, this curing technique may also contribute to discrete coloringelement 210 appearing different when viewing through lenticular lensstructure 220 at different angles.

In some embodiments, radiation source 1000 is connected to printingapparatus 900, for example, via the print head 910 such that radiationsource 1000 may be integrated within printing apparatus 900. In otherembodiments, radiation source 1000 may be separate from, or external to,printing apparatus 900. In some embodiments, radiation source 1000 maybe stationary. In other embodiments, radiation source 1000 may beconfigured to traverse in several directions such that radiation 1010from radiation source 1000 may be emitted anywhere over base materialelement 500. Regardless of whether radiation source 1000 is stationaryor capable of moving, radiation 1010 from radiation source 1000 may bedelivered to any portion of base material element 500 with intensityranging from 0% to 100%. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14,radiation 1010 is emitted at 100% intensity to cure discrete coloringelement 210.

After printing apparatus 900 prints several discrete coloring elements970 onto base material element 500, radiation source 1000 may curediscrete coloring elements 970 either individually or cure severaldiscrete coloring elements 970 simultaneously. In some methods ofprinting and curing, radiation source 1000 may cure all discretecoloring elements 970 simultaneously before printing apparatus 900begins printing any lens layers over discrete coloring elements 970. Inother methods of printing and curing, printing apparatus 900 may beginprinting lens layers over some discrete coloring elements 970 that havebeen cured before radiation source 1000 cures the remaining (uncured)discrete coloring elements 970.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, after discrete coloring elements 970 arecured, print head 910 prints first lens layers 971 on the top portionsof discrete coloring elements 970. That is, each discrete coloringelement of the plurality of discrete coloring elements 970 is coveredwith a first lens layer from the plurality of first lens layers 971. Forexample, first lens layer 221 may be printed onto discrete coloringelement 210.

Generally, each lens layer is made of transparent or translucent toner1050. However, each lens layer could have at least some color while atleast maintaining some transparent or translucent properties. In someembodiments, printing apparatus 900 may use print head 910 to print bothdiscrete coloring elements 970 and one or more of the lens layers. Inother embodiments, printing apparatus 900 may use a different print headto print the lens layers.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary curing process for first lens layers 971.Radiation 1015 from radiation source is again used to cure first lenslayers 971 (such as first lens layer 221). In some embodiments (notshown), first lens layers 971 may be cured with radiation having anintensity greater than or equal to the intensity used to cure discretecoloring elements 970 in a previous step. In the exemplary embodiment inFIG. 16, radiation source 1000 emits radiation 1015 having 5% intensity(i.e., 5% of the maximum intensity or 5% of a predetermined intensity)to cure first lens layers 971.

Radiation source 1000 may cure lens layers individually or cure severallens layers simultaneously. In some methods of printing and curing,radiation source 1000 may cure all of first lens layers 971 (printedonto discrete coloring element 970) simultaneously before printingapparatus 900 prints second lens layers 972 (see FIG. 17). In othermethods of printing and curing, printing apparatus 900 may beginprinting second lens layers 972 over some lens layers of first lenslayers 971 that have been cured before radiation source 1000 curesremaining (uncured) first lens layers 971. It will be understood thatthese methods printing and curing apply to successive lens layers of thefinal lenticular lens structures.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a side schematic view of the printing andcuring of a plurality of second lens layers 972 of the lenticular lensstructures. In FIG. 17, print head 910 prints second lens layers 972over top surface (not shown) of first lens layers 971. In someembodiments (not shown), second lens layers 972 may have similar sizeand shape as first lens layers 971. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, second lens layers 972 are smaller than first lenslayers 971 and are also arched at the outer surfaces of first lenslayers 971.

Collectively, printing apparatus 900 may print lens layers such thatfirst lens layers 971, second lens layers 972, and successive lens layerform a dome like structure. However, it should be noted that in otherembodiments, printing apparatus 900 may print lens layers such that theresulting lenticular lens structures resemble a parallelogram, a cube, asemi-cylindrical shape, a semi-spherical shape, or a semi-ellipsoidshape. Moreover, in some other embodiments, different lenticular lensstructures could be formed to have substantially different geometriesfrom one another.

FIG. 18 shows the curing process for second lens layers 972. In someembodiments (not shown), second lens layers 972 may be cured withradiation having an intensity less than or equal to the intensity usedto cure first lens layers 971. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 19,radiation source 100 emits radiation 1010 having 100% intensity (e.g.,the predetermined maximum intensity level) to cure second lens layers972.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of print head 910 and the formation of“n” additional lens layers 975 of the lenticular lens structures 960.Although exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-9 show lenticular lensstructures 960 having five lens layers, printing apparatus 900 iscapable of printing more than five lens layers. Moreover, radiationsource (not shown) is capable of curing lenticular lens structures 960having more than five lens layers (for example, “n” layers 975) at anyintensity previously disclosed in this detailed description.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary embodiment of optical structure 200 with boththe discrete coloring element 210 and all lens layers of lenticular lensstructure 220 having undergone a curing process from radiation source1000. In this exemplary embodiment, discrete coloring element 210 iscured at 100% intensity, first lens layer 221 is cured at 5% intensity,second lens layer 224 is cured at 5% intensity, third lens layer 226 iscured at 100% intensity, fourth lens layer 228 is cured at 5% intensity,and fifth lens layer 230 is cured at 100% intensity. As stated earlier,in other embodiments, radiation intensity could vary for the discretecoloring element 210 as well as any of the lens layers of lenticularlens structure 220. In particular, the radiation intensity used to cureeach lens layer can be selected to achieve desired optical effects,including desired indices of refraction for each layer to form a desiredlenticular lens configuration.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate an embodiment of an article of footwear 100shown at two different viewpoints, and having several optical structures200 on forefoot 10, midfoot 12, and heel portion 14. In additional to anupper 102 having a difference appearance, in terms of color schemes,from different viewing angles, some embodiments of article 100 haveoptical structures 200 configured such that upper 102, when viewed fromat least one viewpoint, has an appearance displaying an indicia. Theterm “indicia” as used throughout this detailed description and in theclaims refers to letters, numbers, symbols and/or logos. For example inFIG. 21, optical structures 200 may be configured on upper 102 to give afirst appearance 1101 of upper 102, as shown in FIG. 21. However, whenviewed from second viewpoint, shown in FIG. 22 with heel portion 14 inthe forefront, the same article of footwear 100 has an upper 102 notonly with second appearance 1102 different from first appearance 1101(in terms of color scheme), but second appearance 1102 also displays alogo 1100 on lateral side 16 of upper 102. It will be understood thatindicia, such as a logo 1100 in FIG. 22, is only intended for purposesof description and is not intended to demarcate a precise logo at aprecise location. Indicia could be displayed at a given viewpoint orviewpoints anywhere on the upper 102, including forefoot portion 10,midfoot portion 12, and/or heel portion 14. Also, indicia could bedisplayed on the lateral side 16 and/or medial side 18 of upper 102.

FIG. 23 illustrates several articles of apparel having base materialelements with a plurality of optical structures. For example, glove 2001is seen to be comprised of a base material element 1250 with a pluralityof optical structures 1200. Optical structures 1200 on base materialelement 1250 are configured in a manner described above for article offootwear 100. This includes, for example, coloring schemes, appearances,indicia, and placement of optical structures on base material element.This also includes size, shape, and geometry of optical structure andits elements.

In a similar manner, optical structures can be arranged on various otherarticles of clothing or apparel such as hat 2002, shirt 2003, pants2004, and sock 2005. Additional articles include, but are not limitedto: stocking caps, jackets as well as bags, purses or other kinds ofarticles.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, an optical structure 1107 maybe attached to a base element or textile 1100, such as by printing inthe manner discussed above. Textile 1100 may be any type of textileknown in the art that is capable of receiving and supporting an opticalstructure. As will be recognized by those in the art, textile 1100 maybe incorporated into any of the articles discussed above.

In this embodiment, optical structure 1107 is a rectangular prism havinga rectangular planar shape as shown in FIG. 24 and defined by arectangular perimeter 1140. Optical structure 1107 also has arectangular cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 25. While only onerectangular prism is shown, a person of ordinary skill will recognizethat a plurality of rectangular prisms may be provided in variouspatterns on textile 1100.

In this embodiment, optical structure 1107 includes a rectangulardiscrete coloring element 1110 and a multi-layer rectangular lensstructure 1120. Rectangular discrete coloring element 1110 is similar todiscrete coloring element 210, discussed above, where a first side ofcured ink rectangular discrete coloring element 1110 is positionedadjacent to and in contact with textile 1100 while a second side ofrectangular discrete coloring element 1110 is positioned adjacent to andin contact with lens structure 1120. Rectangular discrete coloringelement 1110 includes three distinct color regions: a first color region1111, a second color region 1112, and a third color region 1113. Eachcolor region has a color that is different from the color of any othercolor region, and each color region includes only one color. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, for example, first color region1111 is blue, second color region 1112 is green, and third color region1113 is yellow. In other embodiment, other colors may be used, ormultiple colors may be provided in a single color region.

Lens structure 1120 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 1120 may include any number of cured toner layers havingany thickness, where the thickness of the layers may be selected toprovide a particular index of refraction. In some embodiments, the curedtoner may be clear or transparent. In other embodiments, the cured tonermay include some color but remain translucent.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, lens structure 1120 includes fourlayers: a first or bottom most layer 1121, a second layer 1124, a thirdlayer 1126, and a fourth or top layer 1128. In this embodiment, all ofthe layers have the same, uniform thickness, though in otherembodiments, the thickness of any layer and/or the thickness of adjacentlayers may vary. Because the layers may be printed on a pixel basis, anylens layer or each lens layer may be so that any particular pixel or setof pixels in the lens layer may have a different index of refraction. Inthis manner, a lens that has a straight top surface may yield a similaroptical effect to the lenticular lens structure discussed above, wheredifferent viewing angles result in optically different aestheticeffects.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element1110 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of the bottom mostlayer 1121 of lens structure 1120 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with the second side of the discrete coloring element. Inthis embodiment, all layers of lens structure have the same size andshape and are coextensive with each other and discrete coloring element1110. In other embodiments, lens structure 1120 may have tapering layersso that the cross-section is a frustopyramidal shape or afrustopyramidal shape with a rounded top, as shown in other embodiments.

Optical structures in the shape of rectangular prisms for use intextiles and/or apparel may be beneficial in providing more surface areaand continuous surface area coverage than rounded shapes like the domesdiscussed above. In embodiments where the optical structures are used toprovide structural characteristics like abrasion resistance, the abilityto more densely pack rectangular prisms than domes may provide moreabrasion resistance.

FIGS. 26-27 show another embodiment of a non-circular optical structureembodiment that provides various optical and aesthetic effects such asapparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may have anytype of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a trapezoidaloptical structure 1207 may be attached to a textile 1200, such as byprinting in the manner discussed above. Textile 1200 may be any type oftextile known in the art that is capable of receiving and supporting anoptical structure. As will be recognized by those in the art, textile1200 may be incorporated into any of the articles discussed above.

In this embodiment, optical structure 1207 is a trapezoidal prism havinga trapezoidal planar shape as shown in FIG. 26 and defined by atrapezoidal perimeter 1240. Optical structure 1207 also has atrapezoidal cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 27. While only onetrapezoidal prism is shown, a person of ordinary skill will recognizethat a plurality of trapezoidal prisms may be provided in variouspatterns on textile 1200.

In this embodiment, optical structure 1207 includes a trapezoidal prismdiscrete coloring element 1210 and a multi-layer trapezoidal lensstructure 1220. Trapezoidal discrete coloring element 1210 is similar todiscrete coloring element 210, discussed above, where a first side ofcured ink trapezoidal discrete coloring element 1210 is positionedadjacent to and in contact with textile 1200 while a second side oftrapezoidal discrete coloring element 1210 is positioned adjacent to andin contact with lens structure 1220. Trapezoidal discrete coloringelement 1210 includes four distinct color regions: a first color region1211, a second color region 1212, a third color region 1213, and afourth color region 1214. Each color region has a color that isdifferent from the color of any other color region. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 26 and 27, for example, first color region 1212 is red,second color region 1212 is green, third color region 1213 is yellow,and fourth color region 1214 is magenta. In other embodiments, thecolors may be different, and/or multiple colors may be provided in asingle color region.

Lens structure 1220 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 1220 may include any number of cured toner layers havingany thickness, where the thickness of the layers may be selected toprovide a particular index of refraction. Lens structure may besee-through; in some embodiments, the layers of lens structure 1220 maybe clear or transparent. In other embodiments, the layers may includesome color but remain translucent. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26,lens structure 1220 includes six layers: a first or bottom most layer1221, a second layer 1224, a third layer 1226, a fourth layer 1228, afifth layer 1230, and a sixth or top most layer 1232. In thisembodiment, all of the layers have the same, uniform thickness, thoughin other embodiments, the thickness of any layer and/or the thickness ofadjacent layers may vary. Because the layers may be printed on a pixelbasis, any lens layer or each lens layer may be so that any particularpixel or set of pixels in the lens layer may have a different index ofrefraction. In this manner, a lens that has a straight top surface mayyield a similar optical effect to the lenticular lens structurediscussed above, where different viewing angles result in opticallydifferent aesthetic effects.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element1210 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of the bottom mostlayer 1221 of lens structure 1220 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with the second side of the discrete coloring element. Inthis embodiment, lens structure 1220 has tapering layers so that thecross-section is a frustopyramidal shape. The cross-sectional perimeterof lens structure 1220 extends away from discrete coloring element 1210at an angle 1209. In other embodiments, lens structure 1220 may have afrustopyramidal shape with a rounded top surface. In this embodiment,the top corners 1208 of lens structure 1220 are rounded. In someembodiments, the top corners 1208 or free end corners of lens structure1220 may be rounded like top corners 1208 to provide a smooth surface toinhibit snagging and potential delamination of the lens structure.

A trapezoidal prism may be beneficial in some embodiments to achieveparticular optical aesthetic effects. Further, in some embodiments, thefrustopyramidal shape of the trapezoidal prism may allow for densepacking of the optical structures while maintaining a high degree ofrelative motion due to the tapered edges.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, a Y-shaped opticalstructure 1307 may be attached to a textile 1300, such as by printing inthe manner discussed above. Textile 1300 may be any type of textileknown in the art that is capable of receiving and supporting an opticalstructure. As will be recognized by those in the art, textile 1300 maybe incorporated into any of the articles discussed above.

In this embodiment, optical structure 1307 is a Y-shaped prism having aY-shaped planar shape as shown in FIG. 28 and defined by a Y-shapedperimeter 1340. Optical structure 1307 also has a rectangularcross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 29. While only one Y-shaped prismis shown, a person of ordinary skill will recognize that a plurality ofY-shaped prisms may be provided in various patterns on textile 1300.

In this embodiment, optical structure 1307 includes a Y-shaped prismdiscrete coloring element 1310 and a multi-layer Y-shaped prism lensstructure 1320. Y-shaped discrete coloring element 1310 is similar todiscrete coloring element 210, discussed above, where a first side ofcured ink Y-shaped discrete coloring element 1310 is positioned adjacentto and in contact with textile 1300 while a second side of Y-shapeddiscrete coloring element 1310 is positioned adjacent to and in contactwith lens structure 1320. Y-shaped discrete coloring element 1310includes two distinct color regions: a first color region 1311 and asecond color region 1312. Each color region has a color that isdifferent from the color of any other color region. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 28 and 29, for example, first color region 1311 is blueand second color region 1312 is yellow.

Lens structure 1320 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 1320 may include any number of cured toner layers havingany thickness, where the thickness of the layers may be selected toprovide a particular index of refraction. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 29, lens structure 1320 includes four layers: a first or bottommost layer 1321, a second layer 1324, a third layer 1326, and a fourthor top most layer 1328. In this embodiment, all of the layers have thesame, uniform thickness, though in other embodiments, the thickness ofany layer and/or the thickness of adjacent layers may vary. Because thelayers may be printed on a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lenslayer may be so that any particular pixel or set of pixels in the lenslayer may have a different index of refraction. In this manner, a lensthat has a straight top surface may yield a similar optical effect tothe lenticular lens structure discussed above, where different viewingangles result in optically different aesthetic effects.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element1310 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of the bottom mostlayer 1321 of lens structure 1320 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with the second side of discrete coloring element 1310. Inthis embodiment, all layers of lens structure 1320 except top most layer1328 are coextensive with each other and discrete coloring element 1310.In this embodiment, top most layer 1328 has a smaller top surface due torounded top corners 1308. In this embodiment, the top corners 1308 oflens structure 1320 are rounded. In some embodiments, the top corners1308 or free end corners of lens structure 1320 may be rounded toprovide a smooth surface to inhibit snagging and potential delaminationof the lens structure. In other embodiments, lens structure 1320 mayhave tapering layers so that the cross-section is a frustopyramidalshape or a frustopyramidal shape with a rounded top, as shown in otherembodiments.

Y-shaped optical structures may provide unique optical and aestheticcharacteristics. Additionally, as will be recognized by those in theart, optical structures may have the shapes of other letters, whichwould allow the optical structures to be used to form logos or otherwords with color-changing features depending on the viewing angle.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a crescent-shapedoptical structure 1407 may be attached to a textile 1400, such as byprinting in the manner discussed above. Textile 1400 may be any type oftextile known in the art that is capable of receiving and supporting anoptical structure. As will be recognized by those in the art, textile1400 may be incorporated into any of the articles discussed above.

In this embodiment, optical structure 1407 is a crescent-shaped prismhaving a crescent-shaped planar shape as shown in FIG. 30 and defined bya crescent-shaped perimeter 1440. Optical structure 1407 also has asubstantially rectangular cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 31.While only one crescent-shaped prism is shown, a person of ordinaryskill will recognize that a plurality of crescent-shaped prisms may beprovided in various patterns on textile 1400.

In this embodiment, optical structure 1407 includes a crescent-shapeddiscrete coloring element 1410 and a multi-layer crescent-shaped lensstructure 1420. Crescent-shaped discrete coloring element 1410 issimilar to discrete coloring element 210, discussed above, where a firstside of cured ink crescent-shaped discrete coloring element 1410 ispositioned adjacent to and in contact with textile 1400 while a secondside of crescent-shaped discrete coloring element 1410 is positionedadjacent to and in contact with lens structure 1420. Crescent-shapeddiscrete coloring element 1410 includes two distinct color regions: afirst color region 1411 and a second color region 1412. Each colorregion has a color that is different from the color of any other colorregion. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, for example, firstcolor region 1411 is red and second color region 1412 is blue.

Lens structure 1420 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 1420 may include any number of cured toner layers havingany thickness, where the thickness of the layers may be selected toprovide a particular index of refraction. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 31, lens structure 1420 includes four layers: a first or bottommost layer 1421, a second layer 1424, a third layer 1426, and a fourthor top most layer 1428. In this embodiment, all of the layers have thesame, uniform thickness, though in other embodiments, the thickness ofany layer and/or the thickness of adjacent layers may vary. Because thelayers may be printed on a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lenslayer may be so that any particular pixel or set of pixels in the lenslayer may have a different index of refraction. In this manner, a lensthat has a straight top surface may yield a similar optical effect tothe lenticular lens structure discussed above, where different viewingangles result in optically different aesthetic effects.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element1410 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of the bottom mostlayer 1421 of lens structure 1420 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with the second side of discrete coloring element 1410. Inthis embodiment, all layers of lens structure 1420 except top most layer1428 are coextensive with each other and discrete coloring element 1410.In this embodiment, top most layer 1428 has a smaller top surface due torounded top corners 1408. In this embodiment, the top corners 1408 oflens structure 1420 are rounded. In some embodiments, the top corners1408 or free end corners of lens structure 1420 may be rounded toprovide a smooth surface to inhibit snagging and potential delaminationof the lens structure. In other embodiments, lens structure 1420 mayhave tapering layers so that the cross-section is a frustopyramidalshape or a frustopyramidal shape with a rounded top, as shown in otherembodiments.

Crescent-shaped optical structures may provide unique optical andaesthetic characteristics as compared with optical structures with theshape of regular polygons. For example, the apparent color changingproperties at the points of the crescent may differ from the apparentcolor changing properties of the other embodiments discussed herein.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32-35, a plurality ofrectangular pyramid-shaped optical structures 2450 may be attached to atextile 2400, such as by printing in the manner discussed above. Textile2400 may be any type of textile known in the art that is capable ofreceiving and supporting an optical structure. As will be recognized bythose in the art, textile 2400 may be incorporated into any of thearticles discussed above.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in the plurality of opticalstructures 2450 such as first structure 2407, second structure 2417,third structure 2427, and fourth structure 2437 is a squarepyramid-shaped prism having a square planar shape as shown in FIG. 32.Optical structure 2407 also has a triangular cross-sectional shape asshown in FIGS. 33 and 34.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in plurality of opticalstructures 2450 includes a square prism discrete coloring element 2410and a multi-layer square pyramid-shaped lens structure 2420. Squareprism discrete coloring element 2410 is similar to discrete coloringelement 210, discussed above, where a first side of cured ink squareprism discrete coloring element 2410 is positioned adjacent to and incontact with textile 2400 while a second side of square prism discretecoloring element 2410 is positioned adjacent to and in contact with lensstructure 2420. Square prism discrete coloring element 2410 includes twodistinct color regions: a first color region 2409 and a second colorregion 2411. Each color region has a color that is different from thecolor of any other color region. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32 and33, for example, first color region 2409 is red and second color region2411 is green. In other embodiments, the color regions may have othercolors. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32-35, each color regionincludes only one color. In other embodiments, a color region mayinclude sub-regions of different colors to achieve a wider range ofoptical and aesthetic effects.

Lens structure 2420 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 2420 may include any number of transparent or translucentcured toner layers having any thickness, where the thickness of thelayers may be selected to provide a particular index of refraction. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 35, lens structure 2420 includes fourlayers: a first or bottom most layer 2421, a second layer 2422, a thirdlayer 2423, and a fourth or top most layer 2424. In this embodiment, allof the layers have the same, uniform thickness except for fourth layer2424, though in other embodiments, the thickness of any layer and/or thethickness of adjacent layers may vary. Because the layers may be printedon a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lens layer may be so that anyparticular pixel or set of pixels in the lens layer may have a differentindex of refraction. In this embodiment, each lens layer has a slightlydifferent shape from the other layers, as the pyramid tapers from asquare to a point.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element2410 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface 2470 of the bottommost layer 2421 of lens structure 2420 has the non-circular shape of andis coextensive with a second side 2469 of discrete coloring element2410. Because of the tapering shape of lens structure 2420, each layerhas a similarly coordinated size with the adjacent layers. For example,in this embodiment, first layer 2421 includes a first upper surface 2471that is the same size and shape of a second bottom surface 2472 ofsecond layer 2422 so that first upper surface 2471 is coextensive withsecond bottom surface 2472. Similarly, a second top surface 2473 ofsecond layer 2422 is the same size and shape as a third bottom surface2474 of third layer 2423 so that second top surface 2473 is coextensivewith third bottom surface 2474. Similarly, a third top surface 2475 ofthird layer 2423 is the same size and shape as a fourth bottom surface2476 of fourth layer 2424 so that third top surface 2475 is coextensivewith fourth bottom surface 2476. These matching and coextensive surfacesprovide a smooth outer surface to lens structure 2420. In otherembodiments, these mating surfaces may not be coextensive, which wouldyield a stepped outer surface for lens structure 2420.

Square pyramid prism-shaped optical structures may provide uniqueoptical and aesthetic characteristics. For example, the lensing effectcreated by the pointed pyramid may provide sharper contrast in the colorchanging properties than in the flat surface optical structuresdiscussed in FIGS. 24-25. Additionally, the square pyramid prism shapedoptical structures may be densely packed on a textile as shown in FIG.32, though each prism is separate and distinct from the other prisms inplurality of optical structures 2450. This may provide structuralcharacteristics such as abrasion resistance and stiffness in selecteddegrees of motion while allowing freedom of movement and relativemovement in other degrees of motion, which may be desirable for usessuch as elbow protection. Finally, the points on square pyramid prismsmay provide a unique topography and texture to the textile. Such atexture may assist in ball control on an article of footwear or mayimpart aerodynamic properties to an article of clothing.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 36-39, a plurality of arcuateoptical structures 2850 may be attached to a textile 2800, such as byprinting in the manner discussed above. Textile 2800 may be any type oftextile known in the art that is capable of receiving and supporting anoptical structure. As will be recognized by those in the art, textile2800 may be incorporated into any of the articles discussed above.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in the plurality of opticalstructures 2850 such as first structure 2807, second structure 2817, andthird structure 2827 is an elongated elliptical prism having a arcuateplanar shape as shown in FIG. 36. Optical structure 2807 also has asemi-elliptical or dome lateral cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG.37 and an elongated semi-elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shapeand 38. In this embodiment, each arcuate optical structure is separatedfrom a neighboring arcuate structure by a distance, such as a spacingdistance 2813 between first optical structure 2807 and second opticalstructure 2817. In this embodiment, the spacing between opticalstructures is even, with spacing distance 2813 establishing a concentricarcuate pattern. In other embodiments, the spacing between any twoneighboring optical structures may vary. Spacing distance 2813 may beselected based on any number of factors, such as aesthetics, impartedstiffness to textile 2800, permeability of textile 2800, and/orcombinations of these and other aesthetic and performanceconsiderations.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in plurality of opticalstructures 2850 includes an arcuate prism discrete coloring element suchas first arcuate prism discrete coloring element 2810 associated withfirst structure 2807, second arcuate prism discrete coloring element2812 associated with second structure 2817, and third arcuate prismdiscrete coloring element 2814 associated with third structure 2827.Each optical structure also includes a multi-layer semi-elliptical ordome-shaped lens structure like dome lens 2820 associated with firststructure 2807. For example, as shown in FIG. 37, second opticalstructure 2817 has a lateral dome shape defined by perimeter 2808. Asshown in FIG. 38, third optical structure 2827 has a longitudinalelongated dome shape defined by second perimeter 2818. Second perimeter2818 has a flattened top but rounded edges like edge 2829.

Arcuate prism discrete coloring elements 2810, 2812, and 2814 aresimilar to discrete coloring element 210, discussed above, where a firstside of cured ink arcuate prism discrete coloring element 2810 ispositioned adjacent to and in contact with textile 2800 while a secondside of arcuate prism discrete coloring element 2810 is positionedadjacent to and in contact with lens structure 2820. Arcuate prismdiscrete coloring element 2810 includes two distinct color regions: afirst color region 2809 and a second color region 2811. Each colorregion has a color that is different from the color of any other colorregion. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 36-39, for example, first colorregion 2809 is red and second color region 2811 is green (shown best inFIG. 39). In other embodiments, the color regions may have other colors.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 36-39, each color region includes onlyone color. In other embodiments, a color region may include sub-regionsof different colors to achieve a wider range of optical and aestheticeffects.

Lens structure 2820 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 2820 may include any number of transparent or translucentcured toner layers having any thickness, where the thickness of thelayers may be selected to provide a particular index of refraction. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, lens structure 2820 includesthree layers: a first or bottom most layer 2821, a second layer 2822,and a third or top most layer 2823. In this embodiment, all of thelayers have the same, uniform thickness except for fourth layer 2828,though in other embodiments, the thickness of any layer and/or thethickness of adjacent layers may vary. Because the layers may be printedon a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lens layer may be so that anyparticular pixel or set of pixels in the lens layer may have a differentindex of refraction. In this embodiment, each lens layer has a slightlydifferent shape from the other layers, as the pyramid tapers from asquare to a point.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element2810 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of the bottom mostlayer 2821 of lens structure 2820 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with a second side of discrete coloring element 2810.Because of the tapering, domed shape of lens structure 2820 in lateralcross-section and the elongated tapering domed shape of lens structure2820 in longitudinal cross-section, each layer has a similarlycoordinated size with the adjacent layers. These matching andcoextensive surfaces provide a smooth outer surface to lens structure2820. In other embodiments, these mating surfaces may not becoextensive, which would yield a stepped outer surface for lensstructure 2820.

In this embodiment, each arcuate optical structure has a lateral domewidth 2830 and a structure dome height 2831. While lateral dome width2830 and structure dome height 2831 may be any distance, in someembodiments, the ratio of lateral dome width 2830 and structure domeheight 2831 may be constrained to being selected from the range of 1:2to 2:1. Such a ratio range of width to height may maximize the opticaleffects of a lens structure 2820 and may minimize delamination of theoptical structure or separation of the optical structures from textile2800. This ratio may be used in any of the embodiments discussed hereinfor either the lateral width or longitudinal length of the opticalstructure to the height of the optical structure.

Arcuate prism-shaped optical structures may provide unique optical andaesthetic characteristics. For example, the continuous curvature of thearcuate structures may yield blending of the color changing properties.Additionally, the arcuate prism-shaped optical structures may be looselypacked on a textile as shown in FIG. 36. This may provide structuralcharacteristics such as abrasion resistance and stiffness in selecteddegrees of motion while allowing freedom of movement and relativemovement in other degrees of motion, which may be desirable for usessuch as elbow or shoulder protection, where the article may stretch toaccommodate a physiology but remain in place against the physiologywhile in use. Finally, the domed upper surfaces of the arcuate prismsmay provide a unique topography and texture to the textile. Such atexture may impart aerodynamic properties to an article of clothing.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 40-42, a plurality of linearoptical structures 3250 may be attached to a textile 3200 in the mannerdiscussed above. Textile 3200 may be any type of textile known in theart that is capable of receiving and supporting an optical structure. Aswill be recognized by those in the art, textile 3200 may be incorporatedinto any of the articles discussed above.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in the plurality of opticalstructures 3250, such as first linear structure 3207, second linearstructure 3217, and third linear structure 3227, includes an elongatedelliptical prism having a linear planar shape as shown in FIG. 40. Thelinear optical structures may include straight portions 3252 and wavyportions 3254. The linear optical structures may extend straight acrosstextile 3200 then shift to a wavy line at point 3253. Each opticalstructure in the plurality of linear optical structures 3250 also has asemi-elliptical or dome lateral cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG.41 and an elongated semi-elliptical longitudinal cross-sectional shapeand 42. In this embodiment, each linear optical structure is separatedfrom a neighboring linear structure by a distance, such as a spacingdistance 3213. In this embodiment, the spacing between opticalstructures is even, with spacing distance 3213 establishing a parallellinear pattern with straight portions 3252 and a concentric patternbetween wavy portions 3254. In other embodiments, the spacing betweenneighboring optical structures may vary. Spacing distance 3213 may beselected based on any number of factors, such as aesthetics, impartedstiffness to textile 3200, permeability of textile 3200, and/orcombinations of these and other aesthetic and performanceconsiderations.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in plurality of opticalstructures 3250 includes a linear prism discrete coloring element suchas first linear prism discrete coloring element 3310 associated withfirst linear structure 3207 and second linear prism discrete coloringelement 3312 associated with third structure 3227. Each opticalstructure also includes a multi-layer semi-elliptical or dome-shapedlens structure like dome lens 3220 associated with first linearstructure 3207.

Linear prism discrete coloring elements 3310 and 3312 are similar todiscrete coloring element 210, discussed above, where a first side ofcured ink linear prism discrete coloring element 3310 is positionedadjacent to and in contact with textile 3200 while a second side oflinear prism discrete coloring element 3310 is positioned adjacent toand in contact with lens structure 3220. Each linear prism discretecoloring element may include two distinct color regions: a first colorregion 3309 and a second color region 3311. Each color region has acolor that is different from the color of any other color region. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 40-42, for example, first color region 3309 isred and second color region 3311 is green (shown best in FIG. 41). Inother embodiments, the color regions may have other colors. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 40-42, each color region includes only onecolor. In other embodiments, a color region may include sub-regions ofdifferent colors to achieve a wider range of optical and aestheticeffects.

Lens structure 3220 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 3220 may include any number of transparent or translucentcured toner layers having any thickness, where the thickness of thelayers may be selected to provide a particular index of refraction. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, lens structure 3220 includestwo layers: a first or bottom most layer 3321 and a second or top mostlayer 3322. In this embodiment, all of the layers have the same, uniformthickness, though in other embodiments, the thickness of any layerand/or the thickness of adjacent layers may vary. Because the layers maybe printed on a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lens layer may be sothat any particular pixel or set of pixels in the lens layer may have adifferent index of refraction. In this embodiment, each lens layer has aslightly different shape from the other layers, as the pyramid tapersfrom a square to a point.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element3310 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of the bottom mostlayer 3321 of lens structure 3220 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with a second side of discrete coloring element 3310.Because of the tapering, domed shape of lens structure 3220 in lateralcross-section and the elongated tapering domed shape of lens structure3220 in longitudinal cross-section, each layer has a similarlycoordinated size with the adjacent layers. These matching andcoextensive surfaces provide a smooth outer surface to lens structure3220. In other embodiments, these mating surfaces may not becoextensive, which would yield a stepped outer surface for lensstructure 3220.

In this embodiment, each linear optical structure has a lateral domewidth 3230 and a structure dome height 3231. While lateral dome width3230 and structure dome height 3231 may be any distance, in someembodiments, the ratio of lateral dome width 3230 and structure domeheight 3231 may be constrained to being selected from the range of 1:2to 2:1. Such a ratio range of width to height may maximize the opticaleffects of a lens structure 3220 and may minimize delamination of theoptical structure or separation of the optical structures from textile3200. This ratio may be used in any of the embodiments discussed hereinfor either the lateral width or longitudinal length of the opticalstructure to the height of the optical structure.

Linear prism optical structures may provide unique optical and aestheticcharacteristics. For example, the change from straight to wavy lines mayyield a greater number of possible viewing angles and correspondingcolor changes than would straight lines or wavy lines alone.Additionally, the linear prism optical structures may be loosely packedon a textile as shown in FIG. 40. This may provide structuralcharacteristics such as abrasion resistance and stiffness in selecteddegrees of motion while allowing freedom of movement and relativemovement in other degrees of motion. Additionally, the shift fromstraight lines to wavy lines may more finely tune the altered stiffnessand/or abrasion resistance as the lines may extend across differentregions of an article. For example, a chest area may benefit fromstraight lines while a shoulder area may benefit from wavy lines.Finally, the domed upper surfaces of the arcuate prisms may provide aunique topography and texture to the textile. Such a texture may impartaerodynamic properties to an article of clothing, which properties mayshift when the lines change from straight lines to wavy lines.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 43-44, an optical structure4308 including a corrugated upper surface 4350 may be attached to atextile 4300 in the manner discussed above. Textile 4300 may be any typeof textile known in the art that is capable of receiving and supportingan optical structure. As will be recognized by those in the art, textile4300 may be incorporated into any of the articles discussed above.

In this embodiment, optical structure 4308 includes a discrete coloringelement 4310 and a corrugated lens structure 4320. The upper surface ofcorrugated lens structure 4320 may appear to be made from a plurality ofindividual optical structures. Optical structure 4308 with corrugatedlens structure 4320 has a prismatic shape that is rectangular proximatediscrete coloring element 4310 and corrugated distal from discretecoloring element 4310 to follow the topography of corrugated lensstructure 4320. As a solid structure, optical structure 4308 may cover arelatively large area of textile 4300, such as an entire elbow or heelregion, or a relatively small area of textile 4300, such as a few wovenor knitted rows. If a relatively small area, then multiple corrugatedoptical structures may be provided adjacent to each other.

In this embodiment, optical structure 4308 includes a single rectangularprism discrete coloring element such as first rectangular prism discretecoloring element 4310 that extends entirely beneath corrugated lensstructure 4320. Rectangular prism discrete coloring element 4310 issimilar to discrete coloring element 210, discussed above, where a firstside of cured ink rectangular prism discrete coloring element 4310 ispositioned adjacent to and in contact with textile 4300 while a secondside of rectangular prism discrete coloring element 4310 is positionedadjacent to and in contact with corrugated lens structure 4320.Rectangular prism discrete coloring element 4310 may include twodistinct color regions that align with each corrugation of corrugatedlens structure 4320: a first color region 4311 and a second color region4312. This pattern of alternating color regions extends over theentirety of rectangular prism discrete coloring element 4310. Each colorregion has a color that is different from the color of any other colorregion. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 43-44, for example, first colorregion 4311 is green and second color region 4312 is red (shown best inFIG. 41). In other embodiments, the color regions may have other colors.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 43-44, each color region includes onlyone color. In other embodiments, a color region may include sub-regionsof different colors to achieve a wider range of optical and aestheticeffects.

Lens structure 4320 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 4320 may include any number of transparent or translucentcured toner layers having any thickness, where the thickness of thelayers may be selected to provide a particular index of refraction. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 43, lens structure 4320 includes fivelayers for each corrugation, such as first corrugation 4307 and secondcorrugation 4309. Lens structure 4320 includes a first or bottom mostlayer 4321 that is coextensive with discrete coloring element 4310 andis common to all corrugations. At a second layer or greater, the layersseparate to form the individual corrugations, though all corrugationsremain connected at first layer 431. For first corrugation 4307, asecond layer 3422, a third layer 3424, a fourth layer 4326, and a fifthor top most layer 4328 are provided in a tapering, triangularcross-sectional fashion similar to optical structure 2407 as discussedabove. For second corrugation 4309, a second layer 4323, a third layer4325, a fourth layer 4327, and a fifth or top most layer 4329 in anidentical or nearly identical fashion as for first corrugation 4307. Inthis embodiment, all of the layers have the same, uniform thickness,though in other embodiments, the thickness of any layer and/or thethickness of adjacent layers may vary. Because the layers may be printedon a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lens layer may be so that anyparticular pixel or set of pixels in the lens layer may have a differentindex of refraction. In this embodiment, each lens layer has a slightlydifferent shape from the other layers, as the pyramid tapers from asquare to a point.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element4310 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of the bottom mostlayer 4321 of lens structure 4320 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with a second side of discrete coloring element 4310.Because of the tapering, triangular shape of lens structure 4320 inlateral cross-section as defined by perimeter 4440, each layer has asimilarly coordinated size with the adjacent layers. These matching andcoextensive surfaces provide a smooth outer surface to lens structure4320. In other embodiments, these mating surfaces may not becoextensive, which would yield a stepped outer surface for lensstructure 4320.

Corrugated optical structures like optical structure 4308 may provideunique optical effects with the plurality of corrugations providing manysurface angle changes over a small area. As the color changingproperties of the optical structure shift with viewing angle, thesurface angle changes can enhance the viewing angle differences.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 45-46, a plurality ofellipsoid-shaped optical structures 4550 may be attached to a textile4500, such as by printing in the manner discussed above. Textile 4500may be any type of textile known in the art that is capable of receivingand supporting an optical structure. As will be recognized by those inthe art, textile 4500 may be incorporated into any of the articlesdiscussed above.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in the plurality of opticalstructures 4550 such as first ovoid structure 4507, second ovoidstructure 4517, third ovoid structure 4527, and fourth ovoid structure4537 is an ovoid-shaped prism having an oval planar shape as shown inFIG. 45. Each optical structure also has an ellipsoid or domedcross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 46. Plurality of ovoid structures4550 are arranged on textile 4500 in a pattern, such as the regulardistribution of rows shown in FIG. 45. Neighboring structures within arow are separated by a first distance 4530. Rows are separated by asecond distance 4531. The structures in adjacent rows may be offset fromeach other by an offset distance 4533 so that neighboring row structuresare separated by a row distance 4532. Such an offset may allow for moredense packing of the ovoid structures than aligned rows.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 45, pluralityof optical structures 4550 extends entirely across textile 4500, from afirst edge 4501 to a second edge 4502. In other embodiments onlyselected portions of textile 4500 may include plurality of opticalstructures 4550.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in plurality of opticalstructures 4550 includes an ellipsoidal prism discrete coloring element4510 and a multi-layer square pyramid-shaped lens structure 4520.Ellipsoidal prism discrete coloring element 4510 is similar to discretecoloring element 210, discussed above, where a first side of cured inkellipsoidal prism discrete coloring element 4510 is positioned adjacentto and in contact with textile 4500 while a second side of ellipsoidalprism discrete coloring element 4510 is positioned adjacent to and incontact with lens structure 4520. Ellipsoidal prism discrete coloringelement 4510 includes two distinct color regions: a first color region4509 and a second color region 4511. Each color region has a color thatis different from the color of any other color region. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 45 and 46, for example, first color region 4511 is greenand second color region 4512 is red. In other embodiments, the colorregions may have other colors. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 45 and46, each color region includes only one color. In other embodiments, acolor region may include sub-regions of different colors to achieve awider range of optical and aesthetic effects.

Lens structure 4520 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 4520 may include any number of transparent or translucentcured toner layers having any thickness, where the thickness of thelayers may be selected to provide a particular index of refraction. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 35, lens structure 4520 includes threelayers: a first or bottom most layer 4521, a second layer 4524, and athird or top most layer 4526. In this embodiment, all of the layers havethe same, uniform thickness, though in other embodiments, the thicknessof any layer and/or the thickness of adjacent layers may vary. Becausethe layers may be printed on a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lenslayer may be so that any particular pixel or set of pixels in the lenslayer may have a different index of refraction. In this embodiment, eachlens layer has a slightly different shape from the other layers, as thepyramid tapers from a square to a point.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element4510 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of bottom most layer4521 of lens structure 4520 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with a second side of discrete coloring element 4510.Because of the tapering shape of lens structure 4520, each layer has asimilarly coordinated size with the adjacent layers. These matching andcoextensive surfaces provide a smooth outer surface to lens structure4520. In other embodiments, these mating surfaces may not becoextensive, which would yield a stepped outer surface for lensstructure 4520.

Ovoid-shaped optical structures may provide unique optical and aestheticcharacteristics. The shape may provide an intense lensing effect,particularly at the poles of the shape. These optical structures may bedensely packed on a textile as shown in FIG. 45, though each prism isseparate and distinct from the other prisms in plurality of opticalstructures 4550. This may provide structural characteristics such asabrasion resistance and stiffness in selected degrees of motion whileallowing freedom of movement and relative movement in other degrees ofmotion, which may be desirable for uses such as elbow or kneeprotection. Finally, the smooth, rounded surfaces of the opticalstructures may provide a unique topography and texture to the textile.Such a texture may impart aerodynamic properties to an article ofclothing.

In this embodiment, each ovoid optical structure has a dome width 4542,a dome length 4541, and a structure dome height 4540. While dome width4542, dome length 4531, and structure dome height 4540 may be anydistance, in some embodiments, the ratio of dome width 4542 and/or domelength 4531 to structure dome height 4540 may be constrained to beingselected from the range of 1:2 to 2:1. Such a ratio range of width toheight may maximize the optical effects of lens structure 4520 and mayminimize delamination of the optical structure or separation of theoptical structures from textile 4500. This ratio may be used in any ofthe embodiments discussed herein for either the lateral width orlongitudinal length of the optical structure to the height of theoptical structure.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. As discussed above, theapparent color of the discrete coloring element changes when thediscrete coloring element is viewed from different angles due to theindex of refraction of the lens structure of the optical structure. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 47-48, a plurality oftriangular prism-shaped optical structures 4750 may be attached to atextile 4700, such as by printing in the manner discussed above. Textile4700 may be any type of textile known in the art that is capable ofreceiving and supporting an optical structure. As will be recognized bythose in the art, textile 4700 may be incorporated into any of thearticles discussed above.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in the plurality of opticalstructures 4750 such as first triangular prism structure 4707 and secondtriangular prism structure 4717 is a triangular prism having a triangleplanar shape as shown in FIG. 47. Each optical structure also has afrustopyramidal cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 48 and defined byperimeter 4709. Plurality of triangular prism structures 4750 arearranged on textile 4700 in a pattern, such as the regular distributionof rows shown in FIG. 47. Neighboring structures within a row arepositioned so that the points of the triangular shapes alternate formore uniform coverage of the surface of textile 4700. Neighboringstructures are separated by a distance 4713.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 47, pluralityof optical structures 4750 may extend entirely across textile 4700. Inother embodiments only selected portions of textile 4700 may includeplurality of optical structures 4750.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in plurality of opticalstructures 4750 includes a frustopyramidal prism discrete coloringelement 4710 and a multi-layer square pyramid-shaped lens structure4720. Frustopyramidal prism discrete coloring element 4710 is similar todiscrete coloring element 210, discussed above, where a first side ofcured ink frustopyramidal prism discrete coloring element 4710 ispositioned adjacent to and in contact with textile 4700 while a secondside of frustopyramidal prism discrete coloring element 4710 ispositioned adjacent to and in contact with lens structure 4720.Frustopyramidal prism discrete coloring element 4710 includes twodistinct color regions: a first color region 4711 and a second colorregion 4712. Each color region has a color that is different from thecolor of any other color region. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 47 and48, for example, first color region 4711 is green and second colorregion 4712 is red. In other embodiments, the color regions may haveother colors. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, each colorregion includes only one color. In other embodiments, a color region mayinclude sub-regions of different colors to achieve a wider range ofoptical and aesthetic effects.

Lens structure 4720 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 4720 may include any number of transparent or translucentcured toner layers having any thickness, where the thickness of thelayers may be selected to provide a particular index of refraction. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 48, lens structure 4720 includes threelayers: a first or bottom most layer 4721, a second layer 4724, and athird or top most layer 4726. In this embodiment, all of the layers havethe same, uniform thickness, though in other embodiments, the thicknessof any layer and/or the thickness of adjacent layers may vary. Becausethe layers may be printed on a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lenslayer may be so that any particular pixel or set of pixels in the lenslayer may have a different index of refraction. In this embodiment, eachlens layer has a slightly different shape from the other layers, as thepyramid tapers from a square to a point.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element4710 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of bottom most layer4721 of lens structure 4720 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with a second side of discrete coloring element 4710.Because of the tapering shape of lens structure 4720, each layer has asimilarly coordinated size with the adjacent layers. These matching andcoextensive surfaces provide a smooth outer surface to lens structure4720. In other embodiments, these mating surfaces may not becoextensive, which would yield a stepped outer surface for lensstructure 4720.

Triangular prism-shaped optical structures may provide unique opticaland aesthetic characteristics. The shape may provide an intense lensingeffect, particularly at the poles of the shape. These optical structuresmay be densely packed on a textile as shown in FIG. 47, though eachprism is separate and distinct from the other prisms in plurality ofoptical structures 4750. This may provide structural characteristicssuch as abrasion resistance and stiffness in selected degrees of motionwhile allowing freedom of movement and relative movement in otherdegrees of motion, which may be desirable for uses such as elbow or kneeprotection. Finally, the flat surfaces with rounded corners of theoptical structures may provide a unique topography and texture to thetextile. Such a texture may impart aerodynamic and/or abrasionresistance properties to an article of clothing.

In this embodiment, each triangular prism optical structure has a prismwidth 4742 and a prism height 4740. While prism width 4742 and prismheight 4740 may be any length, in some embodiments, the ratio of prismwidth 4742 to prism height 4740 may be constrained to being selectedfrom the range of 1:2 to 2:1. Such a ratio range of width to height maymaximize the optical effects of lens structure 4720 and may minimizedelamination of the optical structure or separation of the opticalstructures from textile 4700. This ratio may be used in any of theembodiments discussed herein for either the width or length of theoptical structure to the height of the optical structure.

As noted above, a printed optical structure with bottom color layer andclear lens layers that provides various optical and aesthetic effectssuch as apparent color changes depending upon the viewing angle may haveany type of planar and cross-sectional shape. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 49-50, a plurality of squircle prism-shapedoptical structures 4950 may be attached to a textile 4900, such as byprinting in the manner discussed above. Textile 4900 may be any type oftextile known in the art that is capable of receiving and supporting anoptical structure. As will be recognized by those in the art, textile4900 may be incorporated into any of the articles discussed above.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in the plurality of opticalstructures 4950 such as first squircle prism structure 4907 and secondsquircle prism structure 4917 is a squircle prism having a planar shapeas shown in FIG. 49. Each optical structure also has a rectangularcross-sectional shape with rounded corners like corner 4909 as shown inFIG. 50 and defined by perimeter 4909. Plurality of squircle prismstructures 4950 are arranged on textile 4900 in a pattern, such as theregular distribution of rows shown in FIG. 49. Neighboring structureswithin a row are positioned so that the points of the triangular shapesalternate for more uniform coverage of the surface of textile 4900.Neighboring structures are separated by a distance 4930. Neighboringrows are separated by a second distance 4932.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 49, pluralityof optical structures 4950 may extend entirely across textile 4900. Inother embodiments only selected portions of textile 4900 may includeplurality of optical structures 4950.

In this embodiment, each optical structure in plurality of opticalstructures 4950 includes a rectangular prism discrete coloring element4912 and a multi-layer square pyramid-shaped lens structure 4920.Rectangular prism discrete coloring element 4912 is similar to discretecoloring element 210, discussed above, where a first side of cured inkrectangular prism discrete coloring element 4912 is positioned adjacentto and in contact with textile 4900 while a second side of rectangularprism discrete coloring element 4912 is positioned adjacent to and incontact with lens structure 4920. Rectangular prism discrete coloringelement 4912 includes two distinct color regions: a first color region4911 and a second color region 4912. Each color region has a color thatis different from the color of any other color region. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 49 and 50, for example, first color region 4911 is greenand second color region 4912 is red. In other embodiments, the colorregions may have other colors. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 49 and50, each color region includes only one color. In other embodiments, acolor region may include sub-regions of different colors to achieve awider range of optical and aesthetic effects.

Lens structure 4920 is similar to the lens structures discussed above.Lens structure 4920 may include any number of transparent or translucentlayers having any thickness, where the thickness of the layers may beselected to provide a particular index of refraction. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 50, lens structure 4920 includes three layers: a first orbottom most layer 4921, a second layer 4924, and a third or top mostlayer 4926. In this embodiment, all of the layers have the same, uniformthickness, though in other embodiments, the thickness of any layerand/or the thickness of adjacent layers may vary. Because the layers maybe printed on a pixel basis, any lens layer or each lens layer may be sothat any particular pixel or set of pixels in the lens layer may have adifferent index of refraction. In this embodiment, each lens layer has aslightly different shape from the other layers, as the pyramid tapersfrom a square to a point.

Similar to the embodiments discussed above, discrete coloring element4912 is sized and shaped so that a bottom surface of bottom most layer4921 of lens structure 4920 has the non-circular shape of and iscoextensive with a second side of discrete coloring element 4912.Because of the tapering shape of lens structure 4920, each layer has asimilarly coordinated size with the adjacent layers. These matching andcoextensive surfaces provide a smooth outer surface to lens structure4920. In other embodiments, these mating surfaces may not becoextensive, which would yield a stepped outer surface for lensstructure 4920.

Squircle prism-shaped optical structures may provide unique optical andaesthetic characteristics. These optical structures may be denselypacked on a textile as shown in FIG. 49, though each prism is separateand distinct from the other prisms in plurality of optical structures4950. This may provide structural characteristics such as abrasionresistance and stiffness in selected degrees of motion while allowingfreedom of movement and relative movement in other degrees of motion,which may be desirable for uses such as elbow or knee protection.Finally, the flat surfaces with rounded corners of the opticalstructures may provide a unique topography and texture to the textile.Such a texture may impart aerodynamic and/or abrasion resistanceproperties to an article of clothing.

In this embodiment, each squircle prism optical structure has a prismwidth 4942 and a prism height 4940. While prism width 4942 and prismheight 4940 may be any length, in some embodiments, the ratio of prismwidth 4942 to prism height 4940 may be constrained to being selectedfrom the range of 1:2 to 2:1. Such a ratio range of width to height maymaximize the optical effects of lens structure 4920 and may minimizedelamination of the optical structure or separation of the opticalstructures from textile 4900. This ratio may be used in any of theembodiments discussed herein for either the width or length of theoptical structure to the height of the optical structure.

FIG. 51 shows another linear prism embodiment. Similar in most respectsto the embodiment shown above with respect to FIGS. 40-42, secondplurality of linear optical structures 5150 contain only straightportions. Second plurality of linear optical structures 5150 may beprinted onto a textile 5100 that is similar to any textile describedherein. Each optical structure may include two or more color regionssuch as first region 5111 and second region 5112. The cross-section ofany linear structure may be the same as or similar to the triangularcross-section shown in FIG. 33 or the semi-ellipsoid cross-section shownin FIG. 41.

In this embodiment, each linear optical structure in the plurality oflinear optical structures 5150 includes a bend. For example, a firstangled linear structure 5107 may include a first portion 5104, a secondportion 5105, and a bend at a first angle 5115 between first portion5104 and second portion 5105. While in some embodiments the bend in thelinear optical structures may be the same along textile 5100, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 51, the angle of the bend may vary alongtextile 5100. For example, a second angled linear structure 5117 bendsat a second angle 5125. While first angle 5115 may be any angle capableof being printed, in some embodiments, first angle 5115 may be arelatively low angle, such as an angle less than 10 degrees. Whilesecond angle 5125 may be any angle capable of being printed, in someembodiments, second angle 5125 may be a high angle, such as an anglegreater than 45 degrees. All of the linear optical structures betweenfirst angled linear structure 5107 and second angled linear structure5117 may have an angle between first angle 5115 and second angle 5125.The angles of the linear structures gradually change from first angle5115 to second angle 5125.

This type of linear optical structure may produce optical and colorchanging effects that may be different from the effects achieved by theother linear embodiments discussed above due to the straight linearportions and the varying angles of the bends.

FIG. 52 shows another type of linear optical structure with a pluralityof wavy or sinusoidal optical structures 5350 printed onto a textile5300. This embodiment is similar to the wavy portions of the embodimentshown in FIGS. 40-42 and discussed above. Each optical structure mayinclude two or more color regions. The cross-section of any linearstructure may be the same as or similar to the triangular cross-sectionshown in FIG. 33 or the semi-ellipsoid cross-section shown in FIG. 41.

In this embodiment, the optical effect of the sinusoidal waves areincreased as the number of peaks and troughs are greater and are closertogether than in the embodiment shown above. In this embodiment, eachstructure is parallel to an adjacent structure. For example, firstsinusoidal optical structure 5307 is parallel to second sinusoidaloptical structure 5317, so the peaks and troughs align and no linescross.

FIG. 53 shows another ovoid prism embodiment. Similar in most respectsto the embodiment shown above with respect to FIGS. 45-46, the opticalstructures in second plurality of ovoid optical structures 5250 havevarying sizes. Second plurality of ovoid optical structures 5250 may beprinted onto a textile 5100 that is similar to any textile describedherein. Each optical structure may include two or more color regions.The cross-section of any ovoid structure may be the same as or similarto the cross-section shown in FIG. 46.

Second plurality of ovoid optical structures 5250 are printed ontotextile 5200 in a pattern. In this embodiment, the pattern may be arandom distribution of different sizes that form an overall shape 5239.Shape 5239 may be irregular or amorphous such as shown in FIG. 53. Inother embodiments, shape 5239 may be in the shape of one or morealphanumeric characters, logos, polygons, circles or other round shapes,or any other type of shape.

As noted above, the optical structures in second plurality of ovoidoptical structures 5250 have varying sizes. For example, a firststructure 5207 may have a different size from a second structure 5217but the same size as a third structure 5209. The sizes may be arelatively large long axis 5230 or a relatively small long axis 5232.The actual sizes may be any known in the art, and the sizes may beselected depending upon the intended use of the textile. For example,the sizes may be smaller for use in footwear than for apparel like ashirt or pants. The different sizes may be selected to increase thedensity of packing of second plurality of ovoid optical structures 5250,as smaller structures may be used to fill in the gaps between largerstructures. This type of arrangement may allow a designer to more finelycontrol the stiffness and permeability of the resultant textile.

The description provided above is intended to illustrate some possiblecombinations of various features associated with an article of footwearand other apparel. Those skilled in the art will understand, however,that within each embodiment, some features may be optional. Moreover,different features discussed in different embodiments could be combinedin still other embodiments and would still fall within the scope of theattached claims. Some features could be used independently in someembodiments, while still other features could be combined in variousdifferent ways in still other embodiments.

While various embodiments have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of theembodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

1. A wearable article comprising: a base material; and an opticalfeature coupled to the base material, wherein the optical featurecomprises: a discrete coloring element, wherein the discrete coloringelement has a first side disposed against the base material and a secondside disposed opposite of the first side, and wherein the second side ofthe discrete coloring element includes at least two regions havingdifferent coloring relative to each other; and a lenticular lensstructure, wherein a bottom surface of the lenticular lens structure isdisposed against the second side of the discrete coloring element andthe discrete coloring element is partially or fully covered by thebottom surface of the lens structure; wherein an upper surface of thelenticular lens structure is one or both of convex and multi-faceted,such that a first appearance of the optical feature when the wearablearticle is viewed from a first viewing angle is different from a secondappearance of the optical feature when the wearable article is viewedfrom a second viewing angle; and wherein the bottom surface of thelenticular lens structure has a perimeter that is surrounded by one orboth of an exposed surface of the base material and an exposed surfaceof the discrete coloring element.
 2. The wearable article of claim 1,wherein the wearable article comprises an article of footwear.
 3. Thewearable article of claim 1, wherein the wearable article comprises anarticle of apparel.
 4. The wearable article of claim 1, wherein thelenticular lens structure comprises a plurality of lens layers.
 5. Thewearable article of claim 1, wherein the lenticular lens structurecomprises only one lens layer.
 6. The wearable article of claim 1,wherein the bottom surface of the lenticular lens structure iscoextensive with the second side of the discrete coloring element. 7.The wearable article of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of thelenticular lens structure comprises an apex point that is a greaterdistance from the discrete coloring element than any other point on thelenticular lens structure.
 8. The wearable article of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more additional lenticular lens structures adjacent tothe lenticular lens structure.
 9. The wearable article of claim 1,wherein the second side of the discrete coloring element isnon-circular.
 10. The wearable article of claim 1, wherein the secondside of the discrete coloring element includes three or more colors. 11.The wearable article of claim 1, wherein the at least two regions havingdifferent coloring relative to each other comprise three regions havingdifferent coloring relative to each other.
 12. The wearable article ofclaim 1, wherein the discrete coloring element comprises athree-dimensional image.
 13. A textile comprising: a base material; andan optical feature coupled to the base material, wherein the opticalfeature comprises: a discrete coloring element, wherein the discretecoloring element has a first side disposed against the base material anda second side disposed opposite of the first side, and wherein thesecond side of the discrete coloring element includes at least tworegions having different coloring relative to each other; and alenticular lens structure, wherein a bottom surface of the lenticularlens structure is disposed against the second side of the discretecoloring element and the discrete coloring element is partially or fullycovered by the bottom surface of the lenticular lens structure; whereinan upper surface of the lenticular lens structure is one or both ofconvex and multi-faceted, such that a first appearance of the opticalfeature when the textile is viewed from a first viewing angle isdifferent from a second appearance of the optical feature when thetextile is viewed from a second viewing angle; and wherein the bottomsurface of the lenticular lens structure has a perimeter that issurrounded by one or both of an exposed surface of the base material andan exposed surface of the discrete coloring element.
 14. The textile ofclaim 13, wherein the base material comprises a fabric.
 15. The textileof claim 13, wherein the base material comprises a material other thanfabric.
 16. The textile of claim 13, wherein the lenticular lensstructure comprises a only one lens layer.
 17. The textile of claim 13,wherein the second side of discrete coloring element is non-circular.18. The textile of claim 13, wherein a third appearance of the opticalfeature when the textile is viewed from a third viewing angle isdifferent from the first appearance and the second appearance.
 19. Thetextile of claim 13, wherein the bottom surface of the lenticular lensstructure is spaced apart from other lenticular lens structures.
 20. Thetextile of claim 13, wherein the discrete coloring element comprises athree-dimensional image.